Another big week of big books, highlighted by four titles from our Top Ten of 2013 (Wild Blue Yonder, Saga, Zero, and Archer & Armstrong) and an Archie two-fer!

Batman and Robin #33 (DC): Robin Rises: Omega #1–a nonsensical, never-ending fight scene–was a huge disappointment. You know what? I’m going to pretend it never happened. Will be tough, though: I’m not too excited about the inevitable change of scenery; Lord Darkseid knows I’ve never been a fan of Apokolips.

Dead Boy Detectives #7 (DC/Vertigo): DBD has been very good–especially the previous Through the Looking Glass-inspired two-parter. New story starts here.

Superman #33 (DC): Re: #32: The new Men of Today: Geoff Johns and John Romita, Jr. have started their reign well with Men of Tomorrow. Liked how the former twisted Supes’ origin and came up with the well-named Ulysses. The latter proved that his style suits Superman just fine.

Wonder Woman #33 (DC): Azzarello and Chiang are on their way out. It’s been a helluva run–and gods know I will loyally follow them to the finish line.

Wonder Woman #33

Wild Blue Yonder #5 (IDW): Prepare to be jealous: I’ve already read it. Liked it a lot. (Shouldn’t come as much of a surprise: we’ve celebrated this series from the guys at Noble Transmission since take off.) It lives up to the standard set by issues before: it’s summer-blockbuster big with some massive art moments from Zach Howard and Nelson Daniel. (Nobody does double-page spreads like these guys.) I particularly like how in a relativist sense the Judge is pretty much a good guy, as he is trying to do right by his people. Just so happens other folks–those who call The Dawn home–would have to suffer in order for his people to survive. If I’m finding myself rooting for the Judge, it’s because Mike Raicht is selling him well–kind of like how Patricia Highsmith convinces you root for the immoral Thomas Ripley; that’s high praise, indeed! Also sold well is the big “final” moment, which is drawn out just long enough to sell one character’s sacrifice and another’s loss. Can’t wait to see how everything plays out. If you can’t wait to find out more about this issue, check out Derek’s review here.

Wild Blue Yonder #5

Saga #21 (Image): This arc hasn’t really lived up to the Saga standard. That being said, it’s still better than most. #20 ended on a robot strong note–even if it were a bit too robotic, too thick with politic.

Trees #3 (Image): Hasn’t grown on me. In fact, Derek and I agree: there’s been too much junk in the trunk; and, as a result, Trees #2 is our Biggest Dis(appointment) of June. May have to chop this one down. Might have trouble seeing the forest for the cover, though.

Tress #3

Velvet #6 (Image): New arc time. The first one rubbed me the right way. Something very modest about it.

Zero #9 (Image): The series started with so much promise. That promise, however, has been broken. Into pieces. Tiny, tiny pieces. We denounced #8 as our Biggest Dis(appointment) of May. It’ll take an act of God or my typical lack of willpower to get this one into my bag,

Supreme: Blue Rose #1 (Image): Ellis is lighting it up on Moon Knight yet is growing Trees at an pine’s pace. Wonder what we’ll get here.

Supreme: Blue Rose #1

Daredevil #6 (Marvel): #5 offered up my favorite line of the year: “Kudos to cancer.” Man, I laughed; and then I was like “Ugh”; and then I laughed some more. It’s quite clear: Mark ain’t afraid to Waid into some daring dialogue–especially if it’s meant to develop Matt further as the very best of friends and as the perfect Daredevil.

Afterlife With Archie #6 (Archie): Roberto Aguirre Sacasa and Francesco Francavilla’s first arc was as close to perfect as can be. Expectations are very high for the next.

Archer & Armstrong #22 (Valiant): “American Wasteland” has been a blast! Re: #21: I mean, ho-Lee crap: Fred Van Lente is fearless–he’s the Lone Funman! It was so much fun, in fact, that we’ll be celebrating it as one of our Top 5 Books of June. You know, when we get around to it.

Archer & Armstrong #22

Life With Archie #37 (Archie): Honesty: #36 was my first issue of LWA. (I know I’m not alone in that one.) It won’t be my last. It was really, really good. Love the choices Paul Kupperberg–who wrote one of my far- from-Archie faves: Vigilante–made while walking his way through Archie’s life. Just took one issue to make me care a whole lot about the aftermath.

The Midas Flesh #8 (BOOM!): Mercifully comes the end. After a strong #2, the series quickly went south and has unfortunately stayed that course–not plot-wise, per se; it’s been an execution issue, including too much in the way of leaden redundancies. Maybe–just maybe–the end’ll be the true North we’ve been searching for.

Ordinary #3 (Titan): Mercilessly comes to an end. An end? Already? Noooooooooooooooo! Damn, man, the first two issues have been so very good. We celebrated #1 as one of our Top 5 Books of May, and #2 will be recognized as one of our Top Books of June, you know, eventually. Have every expectation that this’ll be just as good–if not better! A strong finale will bump Rob Williams from a laudable Must Try to a rare Must Buy.

Ordinary #3

The Twilight Zone #7 (Dynamite): This second arc hasn’t been as nearly as compelling as the first. That being said, #6 was definitely a step up from #5. I’ll probably ride this one out, return to my home dimension and leave the key to imagination under the mat for the next guy.

Paige’s Pick of the Week

Popeye #24 (IDW): Big Sister’s still working on her pile from last week, so Baby Sister gets her second book in three weeks–of life! I’ve keyed in on Popeye for her because she looks like the spinach-chompin’ sailor man when she eats. And the cover’s an appropriate hoot, too, ’cause toot toot, my baby girl is goshdarn gassy!

Eye of Newt #1 (Dark Horse): I ain’t a fan of The Hobbit and I ain’t looking to make a habit outta buying books that tease Tolkienesque quests. But this new release from Michael Hague looks awfully pretty. Reminds of Rebecca Guay.

Eye of Newt #1

Batman and Ra’s al Ghul #32 (DC): OK, so, I’ve been touting this title for over a year now, mostly because of how well Tomasi dealt with the aftermath of Morrison’s fatal calculus. Since the Two-Face arc, however, it just hasn’t added up–that is until #31, which offered the return of Frankenstein and a breath of fresh art from guest artist Doug Mahnke.

Wonder Woman #32 (DC): Wanna talk about women in comics? The conversation begins and ends with Wonder Woman. In the Battle of the Bulging Bag, the new God of War is the clear winner.

Wonder Woman #32

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #35 (IDW):No longer gets a bump from being a surprise–and doesn’t need it! I think we can all agree: Mateus Santolouco owns the Turtles. If we’re lucky, he’ll never leave.

Winterworld #1 (IDW): Chuck Dixon and Butch Guice? Yes, please!

Alex + Ada #7 (Image): Sure, Ada only recently gained sentience; but let’s face it: this book’s been full of life from the get-go.

Alex + Ada #7

Fatale #23 (Image): #22 worked for what it was. This one promises to be “the strangest issue […] yet.” Guess that means a helluva lot of strange. Aw, hell, Brubaker and Phillips may as well wring out the strange sponge on their way out.

The Manhattan Projects #21 (Image): Gee whiz! An issue featuring a dog! Haven’t read one of those in while.

The Wicked & The Divine #1 (Image): Kieron Gillen’s a must try. Jamie McKelvie’s clean style will go a long way toward letting Gillen tell his story about young gods living the life–until they die.

Daredevil #4 (Marvel): Who?

Daredevil #4

Silver Surfer #3 (Marvel): #2 earned its place in our Top 5 for April. Read about it here and discover why Silver Surfer belongs in your bag, too.

Harbinger #24 (Valiant): Almost done. Shame, really. Has been one of the better superhero team books around.

The Last Broadcast #2 (Archaia): #1 was terrific! Can’t wait to discover what’s next! Hoping pretty hard that Andre Sirangelo can keep the same pace here in #2.

Magnus: Robot Fighter #4 (Dynamite): Fred Van Lente’s a busy man, but he’s not letting it show in his work; he writes each book as if it’s his only one. Absolutely loved #3–especially when the Robot Fighter’s fist met a flying car’s front end in a spectacular spread by Corey Smith. Speaking of fists:

Magnus: Robot Fighter #4

Translucid #3 (BOOM!): #2 was the runner-up for Biggest Dis(appointment) of May. There’s a fine line between a juvenile affect and juvenilia. Hoping for more than a month’s worth of maturity here with #3.

Yup: I’ll be walking out of Android’s Amazing Comics with two full bags of books. This is the longest list yet and is a testament to my insatiable appetite, my unchecked addiction for comics.

American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3 (DC/Vertigo): The standout Snyder moment of #2: the creature with an imploring Peter inside of it. Creepy as hell. Speaking of: I wasn’t so tempted by the devil of an ending. But even after two issues, it’s clear that this is where Snyder does his best work.

American Vampire: The Second Cycle #3

Batman and Frankenstein #31 (DC): My interest is on life support. It’s the promise of Frankenstein that’s keeping it alive. For now. See: Tomasi’s not as sharp as he’s been; and Gleason, in the last issue, disappointed with his wonky Wonder Woman. I know they’re building toward the return of Robin and that that’s going to be epic, blah, blah, blah. But shouldn’t each issue leading up to it be just as epic–and if not, at least be as tight as an Amazon? I’m talking temper. What’d you think I was talking about?

Wonder Woman #31 (DC): Speaking of tight Amazons: #30 was excellent. Nearly made our Top 5 Books of April. I mean, come on: how about that last page. Make a wish, indeed! That’s high praise for a book that’s been solid, sure, but that has rarely hit a homerun. And even when it has, they’ve been softball homeruns. This last issue, however, would’ve been out of any Big League park–well, except for maybe Citi Field.

Monster and Madman #3 (IDW): Has been a fun ride thus far. Niles doesn’t just hit the right notes–he slays them; and Worm’s art provides a perfectly horrific backdrop for this grotesque get-together.

A Voice in the Dark #7 (Image): I’m hoping that this arc ender screams bloody murder! Just sayin’.

East of West #12 (Image): Hickman’s a world builder who works at his own pace: he takes his time laying a foundation and has certainly taken his time here, that’s for sure. Of late, however, stories are thrusting skyward with such force so as to pierce our patient expectations. Protect your eyes, friends, because East of West is finally fulfilling promises.

Velvet #5 (Image): Brubaker and Epting are doin’ their thing, and it’s rubbing me the right way. Reads a lot like–but isn’t quite as good as–Rucka and Lark’s Lazarus. The first arc ends here. Expecting a bang or two.

Zero #8 (Image): #7 was a well-crafted return to form after a very disappointing, near-nonsensical #6.

Daredevil #3 (Marvel): #2 was Daredevil in every sense–including sight: it’s dark, it’s funny–it’s fearless. New York, San Fran: doesn’t matter; this hero’s the heart of any city he’s in.

Daredevil #3

Elektra #2 (Marvel): I may have to pass. Sai. W. Haden Blackman’s writing was enigmatic at times (as it could be in Batwoman)–and, I mean, come on: Bloody Lips?! A villainous vagina dentata! Ouch! Doesn’t help that we’re headed to Monster Island. Because when I think of Elektra, I think of Monster Island.

Original Sin #2 (Marvel): Jason Aaron’s earned my attention with a killer kickoff to Southern Bastards, which means I’m going to give in to Sin even though I wasn’t exactly thrilled by it.

Uncanny X-Men #21 (Marvel): This is weird for me; yeah, I’m not used to saying this: #20 was pretty good. I dig me some Chris Bachalo, and Bendis kept him mighty busy.

The Bunker #4 (Oni Press): Continues to be a revelation: Fialkov’s showing complete mastery over time with his simultaneous storylines, and Infurnari’s sketchy style complements the shifts so very well. There’s danger lurking around the corner, however: I can see a heavy hand hovering over future pages–one ready to abuse the abuse angle. Oh, if that happens, I’m going to say, “No!”; then I’m going to go and tell someone I trust.

Ordinary #1 (Titan): Sounds fun enough. I’ve liked Royals: Masters of War enough to give Rob Williams another shot. Plus, Titan’s offered up some pretty solid books–including Death Sentence and Numbercruncher, which has been nominated for the 2014 Innie for Best Limited Series and has, in part, earned Si Spurrier (also considered for his work on BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla) a nomination for Best Writer.

Solar: Man of the Atom #2 (Dynamite): Still haven’t read #1. Not sure if I care enough, if I’m being fair.

Translucid #2 (BOOM!): Lots of good things going on in #1. Lovely, lovely layers delivered by Claudio Sanchez, Chondra Echert (writers/creators), Daniel Bayliss (artist, who reminds of Jeff Stokely, who just so happens to be the cover artist!), and Adam Metcalfe (colorist). Has got me thinking Six-Gun Gorilla, which is a good thing.

Translucid #2

Unity #7 (Valiant): I was going to pull the plug after #5, but #6 ended up in my bag because I had forgotten to purge it from my pull list. And then Kindt had to go all Mind MGMT with Dr. Silk’s virus. So, yeah, seven.

X-O Manowar #25 (Valiant): It’s no secret: big events usually turn me off. Preludes to big events usually piss me off. In the case of #24, however, I was actually pleasantly surprised. Who knew I’d be looking forward to Armor Hunters?

Can’t buy ’em all. That’s why I narrow it down to a select many every week.

Dark Horse Presents #34 (Dark Horse): A pricey pick, that’s for sure; but a gotta grab because Dean Motter’s magnificent Mister X is making his much anticipated return to the DHU. And we love us some Mister X: if you didn’t already know–and you’d be in rare company–Mister X: Eviction was our #1 book of 2013.

Dark Horse Presents #34

Skyman #3 (Dark Horse): Has been OK. My interest level in this book increased exponentially after reading Joshua Hale Fialkov’s The Bunker. Makes this a bit of a potential pick. Thing is, as a four-issue mini, Skyman might not have the time to realize that potential. On a positive note, I’m willing to go the distance because it’s a mini. Wouldn’t have been so willing if it had been an ongoing.

The Witcher #1 (Dark Horse): Capable horror scribe Paul Tobin (Colder) makes it a maybe. The fact that it’s based on a video game makes it a maybe not. May also pass on this one.

American Vampire: Second Cycle #1 (DC/Vertigo): I’ve been looking forward to this! Oh, sure, I bashed Batman a time or two and have been mostly put to sleep by The Wake (that is until #6, which was, pretty much, in The Wake world, anyhow, the equivalent of a cold shower!). But that doesn’t mean I’m a Snyder hater; in fact, I happen to love American Vampire. Consumed ’em all in trade form and am ready for the next course!

Animal Man #29 (DC): Jumped off a while ago. Wondering if it’s worth picking up seeing as it’s the last issue and all. Love Lemire’s cover:

Suicide Squad #29 (DC): Hasn’t been as good as I had hoped it’d be with Kindt in command. Riding out his run, anyway.

Wonder Woman #29 (DC): It’s no surprise that this is the only New 52 book I’ve stuck with–without missing an issue–from #1. It’s no myth: Brian Azzarello has made a monthly living of being good. Of drawing out the story, sure, but of being good, nevertheless.

A Voice in the Dark #5 (Image): Well, I certainly didn’t celebrate #4. (Check out my review here.) What I have celebrated, however, is the potential that Larime Taylor has shown–especially in a terrific #2. Here, I’m hoping to see more than a return to form: I’m hoping to see improved pacing. This book desperately needs to cut to the chase–and draw some blood in the process.

A Voice in the Dark #5

Fuse #2 (Image): #1 was an offer I could easily refuse–not re-Fuse, mind you. Leaning toward leaving it on the shelf.

Lazarus #7 (Image): #6 was terrific–as always. In it, Rucka and Lark build some serious tension, which neither slacks nor snaps. It’s no wonder that Lazarus was our #7 book of 2013.

Sex Criminals #5 (Image): #4 was a bit of a rebound from a not-so-good #3, which was our Biggest Dis(appointment) of November 2013. I’m going to go one more round and see what happens. Let’s call this my having faith in Fraction. Sure, he’s a mad god; he’s an effing oversexed overlord! But when he’s good, he’s damn good. If Fraction’s big three books were a menage a trois–ain’t they, though?–Sex Criminals would be on the bottom–and loving it, no doubt.

Zero #6 (image): With an arc in the books, er, trades, Zero—our #8 book of 2013–gets back to business with Vanesa Del Rey (artist on BOOM!’s quick Hit) bringing Ales Kot’s vision to life. OK, not going to lie: still not too sure how I feel about how #5 ended. I mean, aliens? Really? Going to have to trust my man Kot on this one.

Zero #6

All-New Ghost Rider #1 (Marvel): My only real exposure to Tradd Moore has been Zero #2, which is my favorite issue of the series thus far. Honesty: I don’t give a boo about Ghost Rider; I’m grabbing this to get a little Moore. We’ll see if the little’ll turn into a lot soon enough.

All-New Ghost Rider #1

Avengers World #4 (Marvel): The series has been mostly blah. Started off well enough, but it seems to have fallen into its “bigger” trap, leaving me asking, “What in the world?” Consider how much bigger my bag promises to be this week, this one might find itself displaced.

Daredevil #1 (Marvel): Speaking of being displaced: time to see what Waid and Samnee have in store for comidom’s newest San Franciscan.

Ms. Marvel #2 (Marvel): I was very surprised by how much I enjoyed #1. Reminded me of my initial experience with Miles Morales and how well Brian Michael Bendis handled–and sold–the character in the face of controversy. In this case, I’m hoping that Wilson and Alphona can keep Kamala out of the editorial web that ultimately ensnared Miles.

Ms. Marvel #2

Uncanny X-Men #19 (Marvel): Don’t judge me.

Winter Soldier: The Bitter March #2 (Marvel): Probably not. I didn’t really care for the first one. And after Remender’s Deadly Class #2, I’ve pretty well given up hope that he can deliver something that interests me.

X-Men #12 (Marvel): OK. Now you may judge me. You know, the series started off on such a nostalgic note, and I bought right into it. Felt like the X-book I had been waiting for since coming back to comics. Then came the momentum busting Battle of the Atom. Since then, the damn thing’s been a bit of a mess. I’ll ride out this storyline and decide from there.

Curse #3 (BOOM!): My curse: being unable to quit on a mini if I’m at least two issues in–even if I really don’t care very much about it. That pretty well describes this series for me.

Harbinger #0.2014 (Valiant): Everything you’ve wanted to know about the Bleeding Monk but were afraid to ask.

Harbinger #0.2014

Letter 44 #5 (Oni Press): Still loving President Blades, and right now that’s all that matters to me.

Shadowman #16 (Valiant): A monthly mystery: I don’t care a lick about any of the characters and I’m often vexed by all the voodoo; but I still like it. A major selling point: Roberto De La Torre’s art. It really suits Peter Milligan’s turn on the book.

The Sixth Gun #39 (Oni Press): I’m almost caught up! I’ve got three more issues to rock out. Know what? There’s no reason why I shouldn’t read through them tonight. There you go: I’m going to read them tonight; and I will read this one first. How’s that? Oh, and, umm, just in case you didn’t know already: it’s good. Really good. As I’ve mentioned in recent posts: the team of Bunn and Hurtt will go down as one of the greats of the modern era–maybe even of all time–because of the terrific work they’ve done on The Sixth Gun.

The Sixth Gun #39

X-O Manowar #23 (Valiant): Has been a solid read from the get-go. Aric’s another one of my favorite characters, and Venditti’s shown a great command of his character in and out of the armor.

Avery’s Pick of the Week

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #3 (DC): My daughter has enjoyed the first two issues well enough. By “enjoyed” I mean “not torn the covers off yet.”

Skyman #2 (Dark Horse): My interest in the book has been ramped up not by #1 so much as learning more about Joshua Hale Fialkov as a writer through his book The Bunker from Oni Press, which came out in print last week. Yeah, so, suddenly I’m like “Sky’s the limit!” for this one.

The White Suits #1 (Dark Horse): The new one from Frank J. Barbiere–writer of the underwhelming Five Ghosts, which I dropped after #2–is described as “violent noir,” which is right up my alley; so I’ll pick it up.

Batman and Two-Face #28 (DC): Best Batman of the bunch? Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason’s Batman, biatch! OK, so, it’s not Mind MGMT; very few books are. But it is Batman: it sounds like, looks like, and feels like Batman–and that’s what’s important, isn’t it? The turn with Two-Face has been a fun one, and it ends here.

Batman and Two-Face #28

Wonder Woman #28 (DC): The only New 52 book I’ve been on from the get-go. Remarkably consistent, drawing more from myth as we go along. Bring on the Minotaur!

A Voice in the Dark #4 (Image): We were lucky enough to receive a preview copy from Larime Taylor a couple of weeks back. My review–and assessment of the series–can be found here.

Alex + Ada #4 (Image): If I had more time, I would’ve written up a Scottlight On post for #3–a very positive Scottlight On post. I loved it: the dialogue, the absence of dialogue; the composition of balance, the language of juxtaposition; the slow simmer, the tempered tone; the spirit of Asimov, the sword of Damocles. Very much looking forward to what Jonathan Luna and Sarah Vaughn have programmed for us this time around.

Alex + Ada #4

Avengers World #3 (Marvel): Certainly isn’t a must read, but hasn’t been bad. Certainly worth another issue.

Daredevil #36 (Marvel): The end–for now. We know where it’s going from here, yet I wonder where it’s going from here. From Hell’s Kitchen to Hells Angels? Is DD gonna chill on Devil’s Peak? Or drink from the Devil’s Punchbowl?

Daredevil #36

Uncanny X-Men #17 (Marvel): This isn’t a good sign: I don’t really remember what happened in #16. Then again, maybe it’s the sign I’ve been waiting for all along. Maybe I should just be done with this book once and for all and put my four bucks toward something I won’t whine about every damn month. Hmm. Maybe save up for Rucka’s Cyclops book out in May.

X-Men #11 (Marvel): I swore after #10 that I was done. That’s three times after only ten issues! Sounds about right.

Extinction Parade #5 (Avatar): I have an idea: let’s marry Max Brooks’s writing with Alex Maleev’s artwork. That’d be something! As it is, this is a tolerable exploration of the relationship between otherwise intolerable vampires and zombies brought to the page in the typical Avatar style.

The Midas Flesh #3 (BOOM!): #2 was one of our Top 5 Books of January! Our needle’s pointing due Ryan North!

The Midas Flesh #3

Quantum and Woody #8 (Valiant): James Asmus is keeping it crazy in his little corner of the Valiant Universe. Always good for a laugh.

Unity #4 (Valiant): Outside of Mind MGMT, this is where Matt Kindt’s clearly most comfortable. And with Kindt’s Rai reboot on the way, we’ll see just how comfortable. Makes all the sense in the world that Valiant would be the best fit for him: he gets to remodel the house instead of simply moving the furniture around.

My daughter now expects a “present” every time I come home from the comic store. Instead of just grabbing something off the shelf willy-nilly, I’m going in with a plan. I’m calling it…

Avery’s Pick of the Week:

Scribblenauts Unmasked: Crisis of Imagination #2 (DC): There’s no doubt about it: Avery loves her superheroes. While flipping through #1, however, she seemed to like the little villains the most. I’m in trouble.

The Massive #19 (Dark Horse): Brian Wood and Garry Brown have a long way to go to outdo what they did with “Longship,” the finest arc of the series thus far. Could cut the tension with a harpoon–and just barely! But they’ve got plenty of wind in their sails and Arkady–an even bigger threat than the great white whaler, Bors Bergsen–on deck, so I’m betting on better.

Mind MGMT #18 (Dark Horse): We celebrated Mind MGMT as our #2 book of 2013 and issue #17 as the Best Single Issue of 2013. Well, wouldn’t you know, the Year of the Snake comes to a close in the jungle, the mighty jungle, where an agent sleeps tonight…

Wonder Woman #27 (DC): We’re through twenty-seven mostly solid issues and where have we gotten? No, really: someone please tell me why I should keep buying this! It was good just ain’t good enough anymore. Something to consider: if I drop this and Suicide Squad–once Kindt’s run is over–I’ll be down to one New 52 book. One. Sad–especially with Marvel’s All-New effort to inject excitement back into their brand with big names and tempting titles. Umm, I guess, in a way, I’m kind of calling for a Newer 52.

Bedlam #11 (Image): It’s taken me this long to suss Spencer out. But now that I have, I feel fully invested in Fillmore’s story and have no good reason to ditch.

Dead Body Road #2 (Image): While I wasn’t blown away by #1, I like Justin Jordan enough to give it another shot. If it doesn’t live up to expectations, I’ll bag it and tag it, put it in a box, and say good-bye.

Deadly Class #1 (Image): Thing is, I really don’t like Rick Remender enough to give any of his books any kind of shot. Captain America‘s a disaster in any dimension, Uncanny Avengers was unreadable from the get-go, and Black Science gave me every reason to disbelieve in Remender and in his ability to create a world of worth.To sharpen my point: the premise of this book sounds a lot like Five Weapons–also from Image–doesn’t it? Ugh. And after all that, I’ll probably still buy it.

Zero #5 (Image): #4 was brilliant. In fact, it solidified Zero as one of our Top Ten Books of 2013. Ales Kot and his coterie of artists have so far delivered four fantastic stanzas of versified violence! And to think the epic has just begun!

X-Men #9 (Marvel): The addition of the Dodsons has been a Godsend. They’ve double-handedly drawn me back in.

Eternal Warrior #5 (Valiant): I’m leaning toward dropping it. Hasn’t been bad. Just don’t think I’m into it enough. Feel like I’m buying it out of loyalty for Valiant. Not a good enough reason to part with $4–not anymore.

Buzzkill #4 (Dark Horse): One of the best minis of the year comes to a close. No need to crack open a cold one to enjoy what Donny Cates and the crew have brewed up–but it certainly can’t hurt. In fact, let’s drink to what they’ve accomplished thus far and to the promise of a perfectly choreographed booze-fueled father-son throwdown.

Buzzkill #4

Dark Horse Presents #31 (Dark Horse): A hefty price to pay for a sliver of of the sublime Mind MGMT. Oh, I’ll be paying it, all right! Just like I paid…for…this…

Mind MGMT #17 pp. 22-23

The Massive #18 (Dark Horse): Over the life of The Massive, Brian Wood has put on a clinic in understatement and tension–no single issue more successful than the revealing #17, which put Callum Israel’s hatred for Bors Bergsen in context. Brilliant.

Batman and Two-Face #26 (DC): I’ve said it before; I’ll say it again: despite what you’ve been led to believe, this is the best Batman book going. Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit for what they’ve been doing with Batman, particularly post-Robin.

A Voice in the Dark #2 (Image): #1 was mostly tedious, but Taylor has twisted my arm with a pretty terrific plot twist. I want to–I have to!–see it play out. Man, it’s the same problem I have when it comes to watching any cop show: if I watch the first two minutes, I’m stuck for the full sixty–even if I’ve never seen an episode of that particular show before. Such a sucker!

Black Science #2 (Image): Surprise! Remender’s playing with dimensions. Oh, sorry: Yay! If I end up buying it, it’ll be definitive proof that I have no self control.

East of West #8 (Image): Hickman’s been east of efficient in his storytelling. That’s not a fault; in fact, I appreciate his frugality–especially considering how much reading I have to do!

Mind the Gap #16 (Image): One of my favorites is back with Act II. I can’t wait to see how McCann and crew outdo themselves. It’ll be tough, though, especially after the brilliant dueling-artist dual-narrative that closed out Act I. Highest of expectations.

Zero #4 (Image): An amazing three-issue run to kick off the series. Yeah, there’s a 0% chance of my missing this one; in fact, I’d give up my left arm for a copy! Can’t wait to drink up another 24 pages of Ales Kot’s creative juices.

All-New X-Men #20 (Marvel): Hey, it is what it is.

Daredevil #34 (Marvel): I’m looking forward to the end of the run–just not sure if it’s for the right reasons.

X-Men #8 (Marvel): Bringing on the Dodsons was as genius a move as can be. They’re perfect for this book. It’s keeping me around, that’s for sure.

X-Men #8

Department of Monsterology #3 (Renegade Arts): I loved #2. Looking forward to seeing what they’ve got in store for us this time around.

Still riding a post-Comic Con high. You know what that means: I’ll be looking to buy, buy, buy!

Brain Boy #2 (Dark Horse): Underwhelming initial effort on Fred Van Lente’s part. Hard to live up to the standard he’s set for himself with the Grade A Archer & Armstrong and the hilarious The Mocking Dead. R.B. Silva’s art, however, is stunning.

Buzzkill #2 (Dark Horse): Liked #1 more than I expected to. Surprised me not unlike the way BOOM!’s Six-Gun Gorilla #1 did. No, I’m not saying I expect it to be as good on as many levels as SGG; it’s clearly not that kind of book. But expectations have been raised. Let’s hope it doesn’t fizzle out like Dark Horse’s Colder and Dream Thief.

Buzzkill #2

Animal Man #24 (DC): OK, now they’re getting serious: American Vampire‘s Rafael Albuquerque has taken over art duties. Let’s see if this is the change Jeff Lemire needed to set this ship aright.

Batman and Two-Face #24 (DC): Peter J. Tomasi and Patrick Gleason deserve far more credit than they’ve received for the work they’ve been doing over here. Anyone not under a spell should be able to tell: this is the best Batman book going. Don’t take my word for it; pick it up and find out for yourself. This issue kicks off a new arc, so jump on board now and find out what all of the buzz should be about.

Batman and Two-Face #24

Batman/Superman #4 (DC): So far, so good. Greg Pak’s making sense despite treading in Morrison-like territory, and Jae Lee’s work is beautiful, as always.

Batwoman #24 (DC): Battle of the Bat-Sexes. Sad to know we’re coming up on the end of what’s been a tremendous run with this character.

Nowhere Men #6 (Image): From out of nowhere comes the sixth issue of one of our favorite series. I may have to break into the box and ground myself before taking off with this.

Nowhere Men #6

Sheltered #4 (Image): #3 showed some cracks. I’m concerned that Brisson’s going to break down like he did during his Comeback.

Zero #2 (Image): Ales Kot proved he’s still got it with his opening salvo. Easily wiped the terrible stain of his awkward run on Suicide Squad from my brain.

Zero #2

Hawkeye #13 (Marvel): Fraction’s back on his home turf. He’s shown, however, that he’s comfortable just about anywhere nowadays, as evidenced by the sensational Satellite Sam and the arresting Sex Criminals.

Uncanny X-Men #13 (Marvel): Battle of the Atom will undoubtedly end with a considerable amount of collateral damage–including all of the X-books that have been tied to the debacle that has been Battle of the Atom. Yes, this may very well be the push I need to get off of the X-[insert conveyance here].

Bloodshot #15 (Valiant): Definitely on the chopping block. See: I haven’t cared too much for Bloodshot since we said goodbye to Gamma. I’ll give it this one to grab me good. If it doesn’t, then it’s goodbye.

X-O Manowar #18 (Valiant): Not long ago, I almost quit on X-O. Glad I didn’t.

The Sixth Gun #35 (Oni Press): As fun an ongoing as your bound to find.

Six-Gun Gorilla #5 (BOOM!): Ah, the best for last. So far, we’re talking contender for Book of the Year. Met Jeff Stokely at the NYCC, and–I don’t think he’d mind my saying–he promised that this one’s a wild ride. I believe him.

You may step off of both the pins and the needles. Unless, of course, you’re into that sort of thing. Speaking of…

Sex Criminals #1 (Matt Fraction’s put himself on the Must Buy list with fantastically felonious performances on Hawkeye, FF, and Satellite Sam. As a result, expectations were high here. Didn’t expect a few things, however. I found Suzie’s sexual awakening tough to turn through at times; and her voice is a little too over the top in spots–even for Fraction. In the end, the nod to Nabokov–to Lolita–made it all work for me. [That’s right: Suzie’s playing with her lit. Oh, look at the cover and get over it.] Even still, Fraction’s got some work to do to prove that this book is “not really about sex.” I’m definitely sticking around to find out.)

Ultimate Spider-Man #27 (I don’t care enough to blame anyone for the mess this has become. Will I buy #28? Of course. Will I follow the next chapter of the Miles Morales story? Nope.)

Revival #14 (Uninspired. Tired, even. It’s been a long time coming, but the day has finally come: I’m off.)

Fatale #17 (Very good–especially the end. Not “gonna forget this” ending. Not the way Phillips ramps up the intensity during the assault; not the way Brubaker has Josephine take care of Skip–the piece of $#!%.)

Fatale #17

Red Team #5 (The weakest issue yet. Predictable, and at times indecipherable. One panel, however, may very well go down in comic book history: it gives new meaning to getting blown away.)

Mind MGMT #15 (For the fifteenth–and certainly not the last time: Matt Kindt’s a magician; he does things on the page that no one else can do. Love how he guides us through Meru’s Lyme-cycle and how he punishes Lyme, who’s resigned to the fact that he deserves everything coming his way. Both brutal and beautiful–it’s brutiful!)

Mind MGMT #15

Rat Queens #1 (A lot more fun–and funnier–than I expected it to be. I mean, come on: “Blood loss…hampering wit”? Yeah, right! Without a doubt, I’ll be picking up #2.)

East of West #6 (Best issue yet. Fantastic flashback and return. Hickman’s finally brought this book to the level he’s always at with The Manhattan Projects.)

East of West #6

Wonder Woman: First Born #23.2 (The only villain book I bothered with. It is what it is.)

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (Another solid issue. And wouldn’t you know: “this is only the beginning.” Looks like a coups brewin’. Just so happens I like coups. [That reads right, but sounds dirty.])

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #26 (IDW): “City Fall” has been one shell of a surprise! Didn’t really expect it to be anything more than just a monthly Mateus Santolouco fix. But it’s been more–a lot more.

East of West #6 (Image): Forging ahead…

Fatale #17 (Image): Last issue was very, very good. No one does noirror--did I just coin that?—like Brubaker and Phillips.